About: genetically modified organisms
MEPs demand EU funding for research into gene editing surveillance
A cross-party coalition of MEPs have co-signed a letter to the European Commission demanding EU-funded research into the potential risks and analytical detection of genetically engineered organisms, warning of dire consequences for the sector if no action is taken.
UK positions itself as frontrunner in gene editing research
In the hopes of becoming a frontrunner in biotechnology following Brexit, the UK has announced new legislation cutting what it deems as “unnecessary” red tape to encourage gene-editing research.
First gene edited ‘cancer-cutting’ wheat trials get the go ahead in UK
The UK government has granted permission for a series of field trials of gene edited wheat for the first time in Europe, marking a move away from the EU’s stance on the matter.
Report: majority of consumers want compulsory labelling on all genetically modified food
A majority of European consumers want to see compulsory labelling on food products containing genetically modified crops, according to a recent Ipsos report, but industry players insist that this is impossible to implement.
Commission at odds with Parliament over GM crop authorisations
The EU executive looks set to press ahead with a "new approach" to genetically modified (GM) crop authorisations in the wake of persistent lack of political support for the technology in the European Parliament.
UK gene editing amendment withdrawn, but government commits to consultation
An amendment tabled in the new UK agriculture bill, designed to allow access to new gene-editing technology, has been withdrawn but the government has pledged to conduct a public consultation on the issue, amid indications that it could eventually be in favour.
UK Environment secretary offers support for gene editing, diverges from EU stance
In an environmental audit meeting on Thursday (18 June), UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice offered his support for gene editing after Brexit, saying that the UK government disagrees with the EU stance on...
EU study to clarify gene editing court ruling further muddies waters
After the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that organisms obtained by new plant breeding techniques (NBTs) should, in principle, fall under the GMO Directive, the Council of the EU has requested a study from the Commission to clarify the situation. But what this means in practice remains unclear.
Scientists warn EU policymakers on ‘confusing’ gene editing court ruling
An interpretation of a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on gene editing is confusing EU member states, while the scientific community are warning policymakers about the implications on the future of EU farming.
MEPs speak out against GMOs in ‘New Alliance’ food strategy for Africa
European lawmakers have urged the EU not to support the introduction of GMOs in Africa, in a resolution criticising the G8's New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. EURACTIV France reports.
EU lawmakers reject national bans on GM food, feed imports
Legislators on Wednesday (28 October) rejected by a huge majority a hard-won compromise that would have allowed member states to decide for themselves whether or not to import Genetically Modified Organisms for use in food and animal feed.
EU signs off on new GM crop law
The European Parliament on Wednesday (11 March) signed a new law on growing genetically modified (GM) crops in the European Union, clearing the way for new strains to be approved after years of deadlock.
Agriculture Commissioner promises GMO labelling, despite TTIP
If a product contains genetically modified corn, it will still be labelled as such in the future, assured EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, seeking to dispel fears that consumer protection standards could suffer under planned trade agreements with the US and Canada. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU agreement opens door for new GMO cultivation in 2015
The Juncker Commission has brought four years of discussions on GMO crops to a close, extracting a compromise from the European Parliament and the Council. Member states that do not want GMOs cultivated inside their borders will retain the right to enforce a ban. EURACTIV France reports.
EU one step closer to law on national GMO crop bans
Members of the European Parliament on Tuesday (11 November) backed a plan to allow nations to ban genetically modified crops on their soil, even if they are given approval to be grown in the European Union, raising the chance their use will remain limited on the continent.![Professor Stefan Jansson, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Sweden [Umeå University]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/10/stefan_jansson.jpeg)
Plant scientists urge Europe to stop blocking GM trials on political grounds
Twenty-one of Europe’s most prominent plant scientists have signed an open letter warning that Europe may lose its prime research position unless field trials are allowed of genetically modified (GM) plant varieties that have been judged safe.
Chief EU scientist backs damning report urging GMO ‘rethink’
Studies linking genetically modified crops with adverse effects on the environment or animal health are based on “contested science”, according to a recent report by the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC), which received backing from Anne Glover, the EU’s chief scientific advisor.
Disgruntled GMO firms start pulling out of EU market
Monsanto has announced it will scrap plans to sell an insect-resistant maize in France, the second move in a week by biotech company to retreat from the genetically modified foods market in Europe.
Parliament paves way for GMO crop bans
The European Parliament yesterday (5 July) backed plans to let member states choose whether to ban the cultivation of genetically-modified (GM) crops on their territory, giving a detailed list of grounds on which such bans could be imposed.
EU wants to put GMO dispute to an end
The European Commission will tomorrow (13 July) propose an overhaul of the EU's policy for approving genetically modified (GM) crops, which will allow countries more freedom to ban cultivation on their territory while retaining an EU-wide authorisation system.
EU move to break GM deadlock could sow discord
Plans to radically overhaul EU rules on growing genetically modified (GM) crops are welcomed by some as boosting productivity, but others say the move will unleash uncertainty, discord and a deluge of litigation.
France to propose concrete solutions to EU’s GMO muddle
Paris has announced the creation of a "group of friends of the presidency" to consider the EU's GMO authorisation process, which it wants to take better account of "local specificities".